Is Interest in Idle No More Dwindling

Idle no more originally started to protest omnibus bills C-38 and C-45 has changed to include a number of Aboriginal centric issues.  Including opposition to bill C-27 First Nations Transparency Act, First Nations Education Reform and Mi'kmaq Framework Agreements. They have also posted the Ally Bill of Responsibilities by Dr. Lynn Gehl on their official website that in part asserts that the needs of the supporters of Indigenous people are secondary and must take a backseat to Indigenous people.

As Idle no more shifts away from its original focus and issues statements filled with political rhetoric, traffic to its website has seen a steady decline.

A search on Alexa.com an Internet traffic monitoring site shows that Idle no more's official website has seen a large decrease in traffic.

Daily global Internet users has decreased by -69.77% in the last month from its three month high of +4000% which equals 0.00037% of Internet users to 0.00017% this month. (statistical data from March 14, 2013, refer to Alexa.com for current stats)

This equals a traffic rank of 794,177 which is a rank lower than the previous 402,344.  Indicating a significant drop in visitors to their website.

The decline of Idle no more was acknowledged by Phil Fontaine a former Chief of the Assembly of First Nations at a talk at the University of Winnipeg and reported in an article by the CBC where he suggests that Idle no more must change their direction to restart their movement.

Krystalline Krause in her article Activist Communique: Idle No More still breathing. March 5, 2013. from Rabble.ca said right wing media has declared Idle no more dead however the movement is still alive. March 20 to 22, 2013 have been declared as Global Days of Action for Idle no more.

However, with the change in focus and media wrangling it appears that the environment has been forgotten.  Federal changes to environmental laws have not changed.  The issues surrounding the omnibus bills have not gone away.  But, people's interest and it appears the interest of Idle no more have moved on to other things.

Perhaps March will see a grassroots movement return to its own roots.

Solidarity with Mi'kmaq, "1 in 4 inmates in federal penitentiaries today are of Aboriginal ancestry" and Sharon McIvor speaks at TRU.

Idle No More releases a statement declaring solidarity with Mi'kmaq First Nations protesters Shelley Young and Jean Sock who have been on hunger strike since March 1, 2013 in opposition to Framework Agreements between Mi'kmaq Chiefs and the Federal Government that will abolish Treaty rights.
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The Office of the Correctional Investigator tables its report on Aboriginal people and their relationship with the Justice and Correctional system and titled, Spirit Matters: Aboriginal People and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.

“Close to one-in-four inmates in federal penitentiaries today are of Aboriginal ancestry," said the Correctional Investigator, Mr. Howard Sapers. 

The report found.

Today, 21% of the federal inmate population claims Aboriginal ancestry. The gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders continues to widen on nearly every indicator of correctional performance:

• Aboriginal offenders serve disproportionately more of their sentence behind bars before first release.
• Aboriginal offenders are under-represented in community supervision populations and over-represented in maximum security institutions.
• Aboriginal offenders are more likely to return to prison on revocation of parole.
• Aboriginal offenders are disproportionately involved in institutional security incidents, use of force interventions, segregation placements and self-injurious behaviour.

From Executive Summary section xiii. 
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Sharon McIvor a lawyer from Merrit, BC talks at Thompson Rivers University about Historical and Current Perspectives on the Status of First Nations Women at the Arts and Education building to a audience of about 30 people.

Topics discussed:

'82 Canadian Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
'89 McIvor v Canada - regarding the Indian Act and Aboriginal women losing status until '85.
Bill -C-3 Gender equity in Indian Registration Act
Matrimonial property on Reserves.
McIvor's role with Federal Correction services and the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women.
Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and the relationship between Aboriginal Women and the Police. 

 

AANDC asks for consultation on First Nations Education Reform

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada has put an online survey on their website in an effort to fulfill their promise to consult with people on improving First Nations Education.

The survey is open to everyone First Nations and other Canadians alike and takes about ten minutes to complete.

AANDC has included an option for people to submit their own ideas by mail or e-mail.

This consultation process is to be held between December 2012 and April 2013.

Idle No More at Aberdeen Mall

“The crowd isn’t important, the building isn’t important what is important is that the Earth has rights.” said Nicole Cahoose a university student and one of the organizers for Idle No More.

A small group had begun to gather around the fireplace set beside the escalators at Aberdeen Mall.  A middle aged native man wearing a green camouflage jacket was tuning his drum.  He did this by lightly tapping the drum skin looking for the spot that would elicit the sound he wanted.  The drum measured about two feet in diameter, had a wooden frame with raw hide tightly stretched over it and all pulled together in the back by leather thongs which formed the hand grip.  

He laughed as he spoke to the women beside him. They all smiled as they spoke to one another.  Occasionally one would look up towards the gathering crowd as if looking for someone they knew. 

“As long as one or two people get interested or change the way they think then it is a success.” said Jolene Michel an arts student from TRU and organizer for Idle No More.

An old woman wearing a white headband began to speak; it wasn’t clear what she was saying.  Her words lost to the ambient noise of the mall and the open space above them.  She lifted a sign with the words idle no more written at the bottom and the picture of a native woman in traditional dress above.  The picture looked like a head with an eagle feather on top and the feather was the woman.

A young native woman stepped forward and spoke into a megaphone but she was as indecipherable as the old woman’s had been.  The young woman was Nicole Cahoose a student from the university and one of the women who organized the event. 

Shoppers in the mall slowly started taking notice of the thirty Native people gathered around the fireplace.  Several, thought it was a musical group and stopping for a few minutes to listen and then moved on when the group paused to speak about their cause.   A group of teens walked through the crowd closest to the group talking loudly about why people were making a big deal of this and walked on.  Some stayed and listened.

Between the songs individuals stepped forward from the group to address the crowd.  A young man wearing a blue shirt who was one of the drummers spoke.  He said that Idle No More wasn’t about getting more money from the government or more land it is about ensuring their children have a place to live in the future. 

     

“These people here today are the only people standing between you and complete destruction of the earth.” said Michelle Good a local lawyer and organizer of Idle No More.  We have a right to a clean environment and a right to a way of life.  As Good’s speech became more politically charged people who had gathered to watch began to wander away.  

After an hour the group packed up and the crowds dispersed.  Saturday shoppers returned to their business as though nothing had happened here but perhaps some will carry the sound of drums and the song of idle no more with them. 

Local Idle No More organizer speaks at the Philosopher's Cafe hosted by the Council of Canadians.

"Canada does not own me, I do not belong to Canada." said Lorena Starr.

Lorena Starr at the Smorgasbord Cafe.

"The Canadian government owes us absolutely nothing.  We owe it to ourselves to stop being dependant to start creating pride and identity for ourselves recognizing that a lot of the struggles are internal and we need to be able to work through those to address the bigger issues.  We allow ourselves to play the victim and continue to have an oppressed mentality in our communities.  This is idle no more.  We need to get off the couch." said Starr reading a statement made by her partner.

Starr an organizer for Idle No More in Kamloops spoke at the Philosopher's Cafe Tuesday February 19.  A monthly discussion group is held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Smorgasbord Cafe on Victoria street and is hosted by the Council of Canadians chaired by Anita Strong.  Tonight's meeting was attended by approximately 35 people and addressed "the question of what debt the Canadian government owes to aboriginal peoples."

Starr answered by saying First Nations are owed acknowledgement and recognition.  The federal government has to officially acknowledge that Aboriginal people were here before North America was discovered and recognize Aboriginal rights and entitlements.  After that, then people can look into land issues. 

A main focus of the discussion covered the abuse and dislocation of Aboriginal people, the effects that the residential school system had on them and  their children.  Starr recounted her own experiences of being raised away from her biological family and how being reintroduced to them and Native culture has been an important part of her life.  Similar stories were shared by members of the audience.

The discussion included several comments about the Indian Act.  One, that First Nations rather than the government should be telling people what the Indian Act is.  Another, that First Nations bands are a product of the Indian Act.  Starr commented on a call from Natives and Non-natives for the abolishing of the Indian Act saying that it includes some good things to.  Unfortunately, there were no clear answers as to what the Indian Act is or what the specific issues surrounding it are. 

Starr went on to say that meetings like this one are a step forward and an opportunity for members of the dominate group to educate themselves about Aboriginal issues.

"For yourselves as members of the dominate group, those that are here you have a prime opportunity.  You have the voice to speak, be heard and be respected.  For some I can stand and rant and rave all day about what we've gone through and intentions of the government and they will just blow me off."  Cooperation between Native and Non-native people was a common theme throughout the meeting.

The discussion finished with Starr singing a traditional Eagle song as the people in attendance stood and listened.  

Upcoming events:

Kamloops Moms for Clean Air will host Cherise Udell and Dr. Brian Moench of Salt Lake City on March 10, 2013 at the Interior Savings Centre, Kamloops.  They will be looking at the question: "Can people make a difference when mining interests and urban populations collide?"

Philosophers Cafe Tuesday March 19, 2013 will host Derrick Cooke from Thompson Rivers University.  Topic to be confirmed.

More information:

A short primer on Treaties and Treaty relationship in Canada.

Treaty Essential Learning's, "We are all Treaty People" , from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
Link posted here with permission from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.

Winnipeg Free Press explains Idle No More in an article by Mia Rabson

Here is a short explanation of Idle No More, the Treaties, the Indian Act and the current bills under contention as printed in the Winnipeg Free Press.

A guide to the Idle No More movement, treaties and legislation by Mia Rabson.

Left wing posting seems at odds with Idle No More's platform.

Jessica Gordon a founder of Idle No more posted the "Ally Bill of Responsibilities" written by Dr. Lynn Gehl a self described Indigenous Human Rights Advocate for 27 years February 1, 2013 in the 'Get Involved' section of Idle No More's Official website.

This poster prepared by Dr. Gehl outlines what is expected from First Nations Allies.

Main points (summarized):

Allies, oppose oppressive power structures out of interest not guilt,
Allies, recognize they are secondary to Indigenous people and their needs take a back seat to them,
Allies, are fully grounded in their own history and culture,
Allies, are aware of their privileges and discuss them,
Allies, reflect on their ignorance of the groups oppression and hold this ignorance at the forefront of their mind,
Allies, need to use critical thought versus subjectivity to understand the larger power structure of oppression,
Allies, must ensure the needs of the most oppressed are looked after these being: women, children, elderly, young teenage girls and boys and the disabled.  Any other action is inadequate and serves to promote the structures of oppression,
Sometimes Allies are chosen to further an agenda that isn't in line with Indigenous people and people should act accordinglyAllies, do not take up space, resources or anything that an oppressed group uses.
Allies, do not take up time at meetings or events, they must listen more than they speak.

Allies realize that they do not understand the extend of oppression as much as the oppressed group does, and
Allies, accept that learning is a responsibility to being an effective ally.

To read the full text, the link is posted on the Idle No More's official website.

I e-mailed Jessica Gordon on February 2 after reading this poster with the following questions.

Text of the e-mail with headers removed. 
The numbers refer to specific headings in the "Ally Bill of Responsibilities"

"My questions are:

Is Idle No More endorsing a document that classifies every other citizen of Canada who is not First Nations as secondary to First Nations as stated in point #2 of the document?
That all those who are not First Nations are ignorant as stated in point #5?
Points #7 and 8 are unclear are you able to clarify the meaning for me?
That according to point #10 even if First Nations members who are male are given any support that this aids to promote oppression?
And in points #12 that Non Native leadership is invalid?
Point #15 are Non-Native people expected not to have a voice in community meetings or events?
Is this the direction that Idle No More is headed?
How do you think Idle No More supporters will react to this document?
Thank you for your time Mrs Gordon, I look forward to hearing from you."

Mrs. Gordon has not responded to my questions.

On February 5, 2013, Windspeaker issued an article by Sylvia McAdams another of the founders of Idle No More, "Creative resistance" continues battle with "dangerous" policies. 

In this article McAdams explains the origin, methods and aims of Idle  No More.

“I think this is where people are mistaking Idle No More as an Indigenous movement; really, it’s a grassroots movement for all people. It’s an energetic movement, and it’s bound to inspire all walks of life. It’s a beautiful movement and people want to be a part of it. It’s inspired grassroots people to be creative in their resistance. When we speak of water and the protection of water and land, of course it’s going to motivate and inspire people to want to protect that for our children and the generations to come.”

Conclusion.

“If you’re thinking about joining this movement, whether you’re Indigenous or non-Indigenous, I ask that you put the past injustices aside, and join Idle No More for the love of our children, and for the love of all of our lands and our waters. That’s what we ask.” Windspeaker, Volume 30, Issue 11, Year 2013.

McAdam's again states that Idle No More is a grassroots movement that is not only about First Nations, how the issues will affect all Canadians and how everyone should cooperate to protect the lands and waters.  However, the "Ally Bill of Responsibilities" posted on Idle No More's site demonstrates a stance that puts First Nations ahead of even their supporters.

To clarify Idle No More's position, I again e-mailed both Mrs McAdam and Mrs Gordon.

They have not responded to me.

Idle No More's Working document outlining its future strategies

Idle No More released a working document outlining its strategies for Idle No More, grassroots and supporters January 23, 2013.

"We intend to accomplish these goals by, immediately,

• Implementing leadership  structure and councils -  Council of women
• Taking training in; coordinating rallies, media, messaging, safety issues, identifying- provocateurs, misinformation shills, propaganda etc.
• Placing key spokespeople and connecting with experienced experts in different areas; i.e. treaty research, Indigenous rights and governance, environmental activism, writers, international spokesperson, national etc.
• Creating chapters across Turtle Island under umbrella of main INM.
• Requesting regular meetings with First Nations leadership to have ongoing discussions regarding 3rd party agreements between Government of Canada and industry corporations"  

          From Idle No More's Official Website.

Kamloops Global Day of Action

Idle No More and CommonCauses held an information session at the Smorgasbord Deli downtown Kamloops between 6 and 8 p.m. on the Jan 28's Global Day of Action.  

Idle No More declared solidarity with CommonCauses and other labour groups in a press release on 28 January, 2013.

Anita Strong - Common Causes
Michelle Good - Idle No More

The joint information session chaired by Anita Strong and Michelle Good was attended by approximately 50 people.  

This was the first event for Common Causes Kamloops, said organizer Anita Strong.  Common Causes is an umbrella group providing an united front for other social causes.

"We believe that coordinated action is needed to take a strong stand against this agenda that is changing society in critical areas such as the economy, the environment, labour rights, health care, food safety, education, social programs, culture, civil liberties, peace, and poverty."  
from CommonCauses.ca

Information Session at Smorgasbord Deli, Kamloops.

Michelle Good a local lawyer and organizer for Idle No More in Kamloops reviewed Idle No More's Official Manifesto that was released on 21 January, 2013.  

Idle No More's Manifesto covers four main points.

1. Treaties are made nation to nation between the Crown and First Nations and cannot be broken;

2. Resource extraction has made Canada one of the Wealthiest countries in the world at the expense of the environment;

3. The Federal government is passing laws which allow reserve lands to be sold for the purpose of resource extraction and that this infringes on First Nations Sovereignty; and

4. A stated belief in healthy communities.

Most of the information session was dedicated to dialogue and questions from people in attendance with Strong and Good.  

Issues discussed:

Bill C-45 and C-38 the Omnibus bills.  Concerns were raised about how the bills were not subjected to proper political debate before being passed into law.

The Mikisew Cree First Nations Legal Challenge against Bill C-45.

How mainstream media is presenting current issues and how people can get unfiltered news.

The role of social media in organizing events.  Social Media allows for greater communication but can leave older people out who are not computer savvy.

Future events:

1. A jointly held speakers series, proposed to start on 22nd March, 2013 at the same time as the UN's World Water Day.

2. Council of Canadians will be having a political forum at the Kamloops Farmers Market on the 27th April, 2013.

The information session was one of two events on 28 January.

A flash mob was held at the Interior Savings Centre during the Blazers Aboriginal Night at the same time drawing about 30 to 40 people according to Lenora Starr a local Idle No More organizer who attended the information session after the flash mob.

Flashmob and Round Dance at TRU as Idle No More participates in the Global Day of Action a few days early.

Natives, non-native, teachers and students came together at Idle No More at Thompson Rivers University today at 12:30 in front of the Campus Activity Centre.

 Today's flashmob and roundance was organized by Jolene Michel, Nicole Kahoose, Rhoda Tom Shania West and Michelle Ikwumonu.

 The event attracted over a hundred participants who participated in the round dancing and listened to various speakers, including Elders, Professors, Students, Student Union representatives and guests..

 

After each speaker drummers in the center of the circle sang and participants danced around them.  One of the last songs was a woman's song.  The women present stood in the center of the circle and sang while the men stood at the outside to show their support for them.

 

The purpose of Idle No More TRU is to bring awareness of the issues surrounding Bill C-45 to campus. And while not everyone took part in the event, Idle No More made its presence felt at TRU.

Open letter from Fort Mcmurray RCMP to Residents of Wood Buffalo

RCMP of Wood Buffalo Detachment, Chief of the Mikisew Cree First Nation and the Acting Fire Chief jointly signed and sent an open letter to the residences of the Wood Buffalo Municipal Region.  Asking that residence balance freedom of expression be balanced with public safety.
This letter comes after Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation threatened to blockade highway 63 if the omnibus bill C-45 was not rescinded. Chief Allan Adam's statement was reported in a CBC story, Idle No More Protests held across Canada on 11 Jan, 2013.

"Maintaining a measured approach is a challenge, particularly in an environment which is emotionally charged, but we cannot allow the actions of one or more individuals to endanger the health and safety of other citizens." Open Letter to Our Community, from RCMP, Chief of Mikisew and Acting Fire Chief.

Federal Liberal's bid to align with grassroot movements

The Federal Liberal party in a bid to attract voters and support are promoting a more inclusive method of voting for the next leader of the Liberal party as presented by Justin Trudeau.

On their website they say voting for the next Liberal leader will be "as easy as 1-2-3. Sign up. Register and Vote." This will be different than past leadership elections where only standing party members are able to vote for the leader of a political party. 

Also, the Federal Liberal party has posted on their website several petitions which address some of the issues brought up by the Idle No More movement.

One, is Tell Harper: No more hiding behind omnibus bills.

Another is, Harper is ending environmental protection.

As well as many others petitions which can be viewed on the Federal Liberal website.

It is also noteworthy to remember that Jean Chretien's Liberal government introduced omnibus bill C-17 in 1994.  A bill that was criticized by then MP Stephen Harper as undemocratic. Now the Liberal party has taken the stance that omnibus bills are contrary to the democratic process.  Is this the stance of a party removed from the government and official opposition who are trying to regain their foothold in Parliament?  We will have to wait until the Liberals form the next government to see if they intend to follow through with their current political assertions.


Note: I am not endorsing the Liberal party or their petitions.

Justin Trudeau at Thompson Rivers University gives his opinion of Idle No More

Justin Trudeau came to Thompson Rivers University today to promote his intention to run for the leadership of the Federal Liberal party.  He stopped this morning to talk to Shelley Joyce of CBC's Daybreak.
Trudeau arrived at Thompson Rivers University just before 6 Pm and the hall was packed, standing room only as Trudeau addressed the crowd.
His speech was similar to most campaign speeches filled with promises to help a suffering and cynical middle class that is distrustful of the current government. 
The one notable point that Trudeau made was that beginning this Spring the Federal Liberal party will be allowing anyone who is not affiliated with another Federal political party to vote for the leader of the Federal Liberal party.

The following is a transcription and audio from the question period following Mr. Trudeau's speech on the question of Idle No More.

WOMAN:  My question is on Idle No More.[murmuring]  So with Aboriginal issues becoming more on the Canadian conscience the next election it might actually finally be a hot topic.  What are the sort of plans you have if your government comes to power?

TRUDEAU: Well, first of all when people look at.  A lot of people, politicians look at a movement like Idle No More they look at it as a problem.  I'm looking at it as an extraordinary opportunity.  The fact that we have so many grassroots First Nations, Metis, Aboriginal and Inuit activists coming together and saying you know what it's time to get something done.  It's time we fulfill those promises that have been made time and time again and not fulfilled.  It's time we started working together, especially since like I say the largest percentage of young people in this country are in our aboriginal communities.  We need to get this right not just because of a moral imperative that we should feel shamed for.  What we have done in the past as a country which we absolutely should but because if we want to get our future right we're going to need these young people and whats more we're going to need the solutions and values that come from the traditions that have successfully thrived on this land for millennial.  The idea of thinking long term, the idea of caring for the land that in return cares for us.  The idea that we do not inherit the land from our parents but that we borrow it from our grandchildren. [applause] These are the things we need to start thinking about. [applause]... that means starting a relationship based on respect and partnership and shared goals that is the starting point. That's where we go from here.  Thank you.

Kamloops Daily News published a story on Trudeau's visit to Kamloops.  However, leaves out Trudeau's comments about Idle No More.